Movies for great Valentine’s viewing
February means love in the cinema. But who or what do you love? Hunks, damsels in distress, aliens watching monsters get their heads chopped off, David Bowie? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, here are a few movie ideas to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day or blow it up.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” February 11 and 18, AMC Boston Common
If I may, I’d like to take you on a strange journey to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Hosted by Full Body Cast most Saturdays, this screening of the cult classic began almost 40 years ago. After inaugurating thousands of virgins at Cambridge’s Harvard Square Theater over a period of two decades, the cast sailed across the river to Boston Common to tell the story of Janet, Brad, Riff Raff, Magenta and Dr. Telling Frank-N-Furter. Perfect for a first date. Fullbodycast.org
“Clash of the Titans”, February 12, Brattle Theatre
Come in togas for Harry Hamlin and Judi Bowker. Stay for the amazing stop-motion special effects that bring to life giant scorpions, Medusa and… the octopus! All the swords, sandals, romance, drama and robotic owls you can pack into a movie. Bonus points: It’s a double feature with David Bowie’s “Labyrinth”. Brattlefilm.org
“Before Dawn”, February 14, Coolidge Corner Theater
Coolidge asks a great question: “Can the greatest romance of your life only last one night?” A silly, simple film that’s also downright charming, “Before Sunrise” depicts an impromptu, adorable love affair that’s squeezed into a couple of hours. Richard Linklater directed Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke in this 1995 film, which spawned two sequels. Coolidge.org.
“Point Break,” February 20, Coolidge Corner Theater
Patrick Swayze’s Bodhi and Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Utah take the bromance genre to new heights. Oh, they also elevate the action genre. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, “Point Break” basically inspired film critics to expand their superlatives: Yup, this crime caper is a high-octane roller coaster ride with non-stop thrills that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. Coolidge.org.
SF48 Marathon, February 19-20, Somerville Theatre
The 48th Annual Boston Science Fiction Festival hosts another marathon of aliens, spaceships, laser cannons and more. Only the brave will survive 24 hours of great, good, bad, and just plain awful sci-fi movies. Beyond the marathon there will be 30 features, 75 short films, ten workshops/panels and more. bostonscifi.com
Screwball Comedies, Ongoing, Criterion Channel
Are the classic screwball comedies silly little things or the most romantic movies of all time? Criterion says they are both. If you love romance novels like The Princess Bride and The Grand Budapest Hotel, this Valentine’s Day might be the time to go crazy. Don’t know where to start? Subscribe to the channel and search for a comedy starring Barbara Stanwyck, Cary Grant, Claudette Colbert or Jean Arthur and get ready to be completely enchanted. Criterionchannel.com.
